During the 2015 Fourth of July weekend, thousands of sober members of Alcoholics Anonymous headed to Atlanta to participate in the 65th Annual International Convention. I wasn’t there. I wanted to be, of course. In fact I had made hotel and flight arrangements way in advance for this momentous occasion! Tons of friends from all over the world would be in attendance. And then a couple of months beforehand, looking at my calendar I realized I had an issue…my youngest son has attended Laity Lodge Youth Camp since he was old enough to go! As did his father and aunt before him, it’s a family tradition. It just so happened that the pickup weekend, following two weeks of camp was – you guessed it- the weekend of International. The Big Book tells us that “a much more important demonstration of our principles lies before us in our respective homes, occupations and affairs.” (Pg. 19) I wanted to go to the AA Conference. But more importantly, I want to LIVE the principles and the program of recovery. I want to show up for my family, as a mom to my children. So, I cancelled my flight and hotel, and let some friends know I would be absent. Then early on Saturday morning July 4th, I cheerfully hopped in the Jeep Rubicon with my husband and traveled to the Hill Country to pick up our boy. We had a blast and can’t WAIT for next year! Camp that is…What a gift! #TYG Marsha Stone, CEO BRC Recovery